Stepping Stone, November 2009

Well, I had one of those conversations with my muse. It went like this.

“I need to get the synopsis together for the next book. Bella needs to get the cover and copy going. We talked about it for the last month, at least.”

Muse: “What book was that?”

“Roller Coaster!”

Muse: “Don’t recall it.”

“You know, the two women meet on a stalled roller coaster. One is riding it to get over her fear of heights and the other talks her through it. Then when everything indicates they shouldn’t trust each other, they still do.”

Muse: “Stepping Stone — the book about the Hollywood producer whose ex used and dumped her to get a big part, so she’ll never trust an actress again, then one falls in her lap, then the ex shows up all sorry I was a fool, sort of All About Eve meets Singin’ in the Rain? That book?”

“Yes, that one.”

Muse:

“Selena Ryan has the impossible in Hollywood: Fame and fortune and her integrity. Her reputation for playing fair in an industry rife with games has earned her respect from other producers, writers and actors. She’s learned the lesson that plenty of people would like to use her to get what they want—a starring role or some other way into the movies. Most of them feel no obligation to return any favors she might give. Burned badly by actress Jennifer Lamont, who used her and left her with a devastating aftermath, she’s wary of everyone related to the industry.

Surrounded by gatekeepers to keep the hopeful at bay, aspiring starlets have tried every trick in the book to make Selena’s acquaintance. When Gail Welles literally lands in Selena’s lap, she suspects another ploy. Jennifer’s sudden announcement that Selena is still her one-and-only is equally ill-timed and suspect. Selena wants everyone to leave her alone, even if that means living without love.”

“Thanks, that’s more like it. Stubborn bee-yatch.”

Muse: “Watch it.”

So, uh, November 2009, don’t look for Roller Coaster. Look for Stepping Stone. And yes, you can hum the Duffy tune.